DJ Ashba of Sixx: A.M. on Living the Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream

DJ Ashba is living the kind of life rock ‘n’ roll dreams are made of. Ever since Ashba first stepped onto the streets of the Sunset Strip back in the early ’90s, the guitarist has played with a who’s who list of famous musicians and earned a reputation as one of the most versatile players in the business.

Today, Sixx:A.M., the power trio Ashba plays in along with Nikki Sixx and James Michael, releases ‘This is Gonna Hurt,’ their sophomore album. Boasting 11 radio-baiting tracks, the record follows the success of its predecessor, 2008′s ‘The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack.’ With tours and promotional appearances scheduled to support the album, Ashba is sure to be busy for the rest of 2011.

“It’s surreal when you think about it — I’ve had such an amazing life so far and I’m so thankful for everything I have. It’s been a fun journey, but a long and hard road to get there,” said Ashba in a recent conversation with Noisecreep.

Ashba spent his early career playing with hard rockers BulletBoys, but it was Beautiful Creatures, the band he co-founded with ex-Bang Tango vocalist Joe Lesté, that really got his name out in the scene. After releasing one album for Warner Bros., Ashba quit the band and began working on his solo career. Since then, he’s been a full time member of both Sixx:A.M. and Guns n’ Roses.

We asked the guitarist if his Indiana blue collar roots contributed to his strong work ethic. “Yeah, that’s at least 90 percent of it. I’ve always said that it’s not impossible to achieve the things you dream about if you work hard to get them. I’ve never looked at things to be intangible. If someone can do it, in my eyes, I think I can do it too. You just can’t take no for an answer.

“I moved out when I was 16 years old and I’ve been on my own ever since. I was the kid that never called home for a dime. I just knew in my heart that I failure was not an option, because I really didn’t have anywhere else to go. I’ve always dreamed big and when I get focused on something, I get tunnel vision.

“As cheesy as it may sound, you just have to follow your dreams and be true to your heart.”

Listen to Sixx:A.M.’s ‘This is Gonna Hurt’ in its entirety at our listening party all week!

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